Press Releases

RIDOT to enhance highway safety with installation of reflective markers

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has begun installation of a series of safety reflective markers that will make nighttime driving easier and safer. Known as roadside delineators, the markers will be installed along mostly highways through a $1.5 million contract with RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc. of Avon, Mass.

Along straightaway sections of highways, the markers will be placed on both sides of the road to complement pavement markings and better define the edges of the roadway. Along curves and exits, their spacing will be tighter, providing another visual cue of a change in road direction.

Some of these markers will be mounted on small posts and others will be mounted on top of existing concrete barriers. The work is expected to conclude in late Fall 2011.

"These improvements will go a long way toward improving visibility and safety for drivers," RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. "Once they are installed, the light cast from each vehicle's headlamps will light up these reflectors and provide a clearer guide to the road ahead."

The new markers also will help improve visibility during adverse weather.

Highway segments in this contract include:

Interstate Highways

• I-95 from Exit 8 to the Massachusetts state line

• I-195

• I-295

Other Highways & Bridges

• Route 4

• Route 6 (from Route 10 in Providence to the Connecticut state line, including Hartford Avenue and Danielson Pike)

• Route 6/10 Connector

• Route 10

• Route 24

• Route 37

• Route 78

• Route 99

• Route 114 (East Shore Expressway in East Providence)

• Route 138 (from Route 1 in North Kingstown to after the Pell Bridge in Newport)

Anyone with questions can contact RIDOT's Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information will be available on RIDOT's website (www.dot.ri.gov) and its social media sites on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Blogger.